Blazing Swan Theme Camp Guidelines and Application Information
Theme Camps
Theme camps are one of the foundations of the Blazing Swan experience. They create spaces for connection, learning, celebration, creativity, and participation, helping transform an empty paddock into a thriving temporary city.
Starting a theme camp can be incredibly rewarding, but it also requires significant planning, commitment, and teamwork. Camps are responsible for designing, building, operating, and removing their infrastructure while delivering an experience, activity, or space that contributes to the wider community.
Before applying, it's important to consider whether your camp has the people, resources, and commitment required to deliver what is being proposed.
Non-negotiable Requirements
The safety of participants, volunteers, and the event site is paramount.
Before applying, all theme camps must carefully consider how their camp will be built, operated, and removed. A great idea alone is not enough—successful camps require planning, resources, and a team capable of delivering what is proposed.
Design & Structural Safety
Any structures, shade, stages, viewing platforms, towers, or interactive elements must be designed and constructed safely.
Camps are responsible for ensuring their infrastructure is suitable for the environment and capable of withstanding the conditions that may be encountered during the event.
Operations & Camp Management
Theme camps must be able to operate safely and successfully throughout the event.
Applicants should consider:
Who will be responsible for managing the camp
Whether there are enough people to set up, operate, and pack down
How activities will be supervised
How participants will be kept safe
How issues or incidents will be managed
How the camp will continue to function if key people become unavailable
The most successful camps have realistic plans, clear responsibilities, and strong communication within their team.
Build & Pack-Down
A successful camp isn't just about what happens during the event.
Applicants should consider:
How your camp/structure will be transported to site
How your camp/structure will be safely constructed
Who will be responsible for setup and pack-down
How waste and materials will be removed from site
A camp that cannot be safely built, operated, or removed may not be approved.
Leave No Trace
Theme camps are expected to leave their space clean and free of MOOP (Matter Out Of Place). Camp Leads should have a clear plan for waste management, pack-down, and site restoration.
Theme Camp Grants
Blazing Swan provides grants to approved theme camps to assist with the costs of creating and delivering their offering.
Unlike art grants, theme camp grants are distributed equally amongst successful applicants. The purpose of these grants is to support participation and help camps create engaging experiences for the community.
Grant funding is limited and subject to annual budgets and event requirements.
Safety & Planning
Has the camp demonstrated that it can be built, operated, and removed safely?
Reviewers will consider:
Camp design
Structural considerations
Operational planning
Risk management
Leave No Trace planning
How Theme Camp Applications Are Assessed
Theme camp applications are reviewed by a panel of experienced community members - forming our Theme Camp Team.
While every Theme Camp application is unique, assessments generally focus on three key areas:
Contribution to the Event/Community
What is the camp offering to participants?
Successful camps typically create opportunities for interaction, participation, learning, entertainment, connection, or shared experiences that add to the richness of the event.
Community Standing
Blazing Swan is built on trust and communal effort.
Previous participation, volunteer contributions, demonstrated reliability, and a positive history within the community may be considered as part of the review process.
New camps are absolutely encouraged, but applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to deliver what they propose.
Theme Camp Grant Application Process
Develop Your Idea - Consider what your camp will offer, who will be involved, and how it will contribute to the community.
Build Your Team - Identify the people, skills, resources, and infrastructure required to make the camp successful.
Submit Your Application - Complete the Theme Camp Application Form (linked below) and provide all requested information, including details of your activities, infrastructure, safety considerations, and operational plans.
Application Review - Applications are reviewed against the event requirements and assessment criteria. The Theme Camp Team may contact you to seek clarification or request additional information.
Approval & Planning - Successful camps receive confirmation, access to support resources, and information regarding grant funding and placement.
Bring Your Camp to Life - Build it, run it, share it, and leave no trace
Questions? Contact the Theme Camp Team